Entrepreneurship Can Be Taught

During tough business time we might want to turn this to our advantage with a try at making a living while working on our computer, from your home and beware as these schemes will abound. One of the more plentiful jobs to be found online include Multi-Level Marketing as a chance to learn direct sales, while data entry and other secretarial work are also offered. Sometimes we find a new business enjoyable when we first give them a try. They do need BIG effort before we enjoy the ease of these businesses and a good living while enjoying free time. There are so many to choose from and we will help you on this blog. You cannot work for someone else and have the same financial independence. The challenge of working for others is that the employment can be lost as quickly as it was found, and it can never provide you with the freedom to earn as you please and be at leisure when you want. In an ever tougher economic environment, giving over control of your work to someone else means that you can never have control over what you earn. This means that whatever company you are working for can close your position at any time, leaving you with no job but a lot of stress in its place. The good news is that there is work that can be done from your own home which does not involve someone else being your boss. Obtaining the financial independence that results from having your own business is a goal you can achieve when given a good path to follow. It is not difficult to obtain the tools you will need in order to create this business, and they will allow you to enjoy all the benefits of self employment. However, you cannot just start a business and expect it to be successful. A road map, in business terms more aptly called a business plan, is what you need to begin. In order for your plan to proceed to a state where it can provide financial independence, a set of directions must be constructed and followed. The first resource you will need to follow your directions on the right route is a mentor. This person will also find new paths for your new branches and provide creative problem-solving. Finding a solid business plan will also be the job of a support system. There are numerous ways in which the right group of people is trained to bring your business to a high level of success. Your support system will help you create joint ventures, encourage you to expand to complementary markets, and do whatever is necessary to expose you to every opportunity. You will rely on your support system to help you adhere to the principles dictated by your procedures and to make sure that you are always on the right track. To properly grow your business, you will require a little capital and a lot of hard work. This can happen sooner, or it can happen later. More than capital, you will want to cut the plug off the TV and get on with some income producing activity. Look for a business to become an agent for and you should join a team that give help in obtaining everything necessary to reach your goal of financial freedom. Finally, look for unique products that are not on general sale in the High Street and book time in the diary with your business mentor. The mentor (sometimes called a sponsor) has various duties, including business plan re-evaluation and resource investment, and it is the mentors job to do everything that is required to keep your business running smoothly so that you can achieve the success you both require and deserve. We believe that in tough times our advantage is that people are fed-up with big business and look for ethical people with ethical products.Look for unique products with the right culture and you will change your life

Richard Williams is the CEO/Founder of Mercantile Investors, a business established to help and coach those looking to make more sales or those looking to make a second career choice and start a home based agency. We would like to invite you to one of our local business workshops to learn from the best and most successful home based business owners.email richard@mercantileinvestors.com for more details

How To Escape Your Job?

'How To Be A Freelance Sales Agent'

What is a Sales Agent?

A Sales Agent is a self employed salesperson who works, usually alone, for perhaps several non competing companies. The Sales Agent obtains orders for those companies and is paid commission on those orders.

The Sales Agent usually works in a specific area of industry and within geographical limits. It is usual for the Sales Agent to keep his agencies within the same industry. A major advantage is the ability of a Sales Agent to offer his customer a range of products rather than the single product that an employed salesman can offer.

How do I become a Sales Agent?

You can start tomorrow. You may operate under your own name or you may trade as a company. It is not necessary to register the company if you do not want to form a limited company. (speak to an accountant on this).

If you use a name other than your own you are described as xxxxx, (your name), 'Trading As', xxxxx (your company name). In all circumstances you must inform your local Inland Revenue Office that you have commenced trading, (sorry but the dreaded Self Assessment comes in).

Will I make it as a Sales Agent?

Most important is that you have some sales experience. And if you don't then find a DSA (direct selling association) member company and learn the ropes. It is possible to come from a non selling background and build a tremendous business, earn plenty, become an effective Sales Agent witha DSA company and earn whilst learning to sell. Selling is about taking the hard knocks and not becoming disheartened. Being a Sales Agent is even more so because if you don't sell you don't eat. If you are not afraid of having variable earnings and are determined you can make it a success, you will. Often you can enhance income by getting your own sub agents and that can be a wonderful income stream

What about commission?

It will depend on what you sell. If you are selling quick turnover, high volume, repeat order products around 10% is the norm. If you are selling high value items with long lead times 20%, even 30% is required. You will have to wait a long time for the sale to mature and you are at greater risk of losing the order. When getting started look for highly consumable or repeatable that you cannot buy on the shelf of your average shop

Set up costs

Not a lot, if you already have transport to get you to the customers. You will need a telephone and some headed notepaper. If you have a computer this will save on this cost and also make letter writing and accounting less costly. Things like visiting cards are sometimes supplied by your principals, you will need to project you own image as an independent agent by having your own printed material. Resist the temptation to print these on your computer. They usually are cheap and look it.

Where do I find agencies?

The major place to find genuine agency opportunities is by joining MAA or AgentBase. Many 'so called' agencies are advertised in local and national newspapers but beware. Some of them are 'Pyramid Schemes' and some need you to invest thousands of pounds and no return if it goes wrong. The DSA website is good and also the MAA or AgentBase publishes a regular magazine carrying adverts from Principals seeking Sales Agents in all industries. Once you are established many agencies are passed on by word of mouth from other Agents who work for the same Principals as you do.

How many agencies to hold

Initially only one until you have gained some experience. Once you feel comfortable with the concept of being your own boss you can expand your number of agencies gradually but do not collect agencies. Remember each one has to be serviced and all Principals seem to want you to spend all your time pushing their product. Too many agencies can call your integrity into question.

How about job security?

A surprising amount. There is a piece of legislation called 'The Commercial Agents Regulations 1993' which dictates that you must have a contract with your Principal and that contract must have certain protection and obligations for both parties enshrined in it. Copies of this can be obtained on the HMSO Website, Free legal advice and many other benefits for members are afforded by joining the 'PROFESSIONAL SALES ASSOCIATION'. Tel 0207 407 8833.

Conclusion

Most Sales Agents consider themselves to be at the pinnacle of their sales career. They rely on their professionalism, salesmanship and customer relations to earn their living. In return it is theoretically possible to enjoy an income far in excess of that usually earned by a paid salesman.

The only limit to the size of their earnings is the amount of time, effort and salesmanship they put in. Not for them the petty squabbles, rivalry and jealousy that arise when such earnings are within a company structure.

My own reasons for this are not just the potential earnings I really enjoy the satisfaction derived from nobody telling me what to do, when to do it, how much I will get paid and when I take free time.

I really enjoy roaming around the world doing business!

If you are new to this or need to make money before waving two fingers at the boss (no matter how you feel about your employer be polite as they will be your best prospects) and running a business your way needs some practice simply join an MLM company or go to the DSA website as these companies are great at getting you in business very fast.

A great business to take a look at is here

Opportunity Presentation

This business cost me about £200 to start and has returned more than £1 million in income.

Once established it takes a few hours a month to run .

I will not give you a 100% promise of £1Million as the variable factor is your skills and how hard you work. What I will do is show you how to start a business,
supply you with all the support needed to become successful and pr...ovide
you with the required knowledge necessary to build up a
profitable, viable business as a manufacturers agent and work from home business.

Give me a call and I will get you started!

Cheers
Richard
0845 056 9325

I am looking for an entrepreneur who wants to earn £100K a year

Opportunity Presentation

This business cost me about £200 to start and has returned more than £1 million in income.
I have several people who also joined in with me and they earn the same or more.

This business is for those who are prepared to work hard in exchange for a six figure income.
Only suitable for business minded individuals who enjoy training, recruiting or managing people.

UK based only to call 0845 056 9325 and I will tell you more

Firstly click on the link at the top of this article

Become a full MAA Member

Q. Whilst the DSA looks after the companies who looks after the distributors?
A. The MAA is for all agents and distributors

For the April Agent News EXTRA, our on-line magazine, please click here: www.themaa.co.uk/bimonthly_news/MAAAgentsNewsExtra.pdf

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